Custom Home Builder in Merrillville, IN

Merrillville, Indiana, is a tight-knit community that has plenty to offer its citizens and visitors. Whether you’re looking for a homey area where you can build your perfect home or you love Merrillville’s proximity to Chicago, this city has much to offer its inhabitants. Here’s a short overview of some of the things Merrillville, Indiana, has to offer you and your family:

Location

Located in the east-central portion of Lake County in the Chicago metropolitan area, Merrillville is home to nearly 35,000 people. The city is located conveniently right off U.S. 30 and I-65, giving visitors and residents easy access to shopping malls, restaurants, expressways, and much more. Merrillville is only a 45-minute drive from Chicago, making it a great city for commuters or Chicago sports fans.

One of our favorite aspects of Merrillville is that it offers the best of both worlds. To the north and west, you’ll find one of the greatest metropolitan areas in the country. To the south and east, you can discover small-town America, full of outdoor opportunities to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you’re spending a day in the heart of Chicago or heading out on the water in Lake Michigan just a handful of miles away, Merrillville is the perfect city for those who want a little bit of everything.

History

The first residents of the Merrillville area were members of the Potawatomi tribe. In 1834, a cleared portion of the forested area was used for ceremonies and was called McGwinn Village. Once the first European settlers to the area set up camp here to make a waystation for wagons en route to Joliet, the village’s name was changed to Wiggins Point.

In 1838, settlers in the area changed the name to Centerville, and sometime after, the brothers Merrill played an important part in the community. To honor them, the town was named Merrillville. In 1848, Merrillville and the surrounding settlements were collected under the name of Ross Township until 1971, when the township was given the name Merrillville. Today, the city stretches across 31 square miles, with 53rd Avenue as its northern border, 101st Avenue to the south, and Whitcomb Street and the county line serving as the west and east boundaries, respectively.

Outdoor Recreation

There is certainly no shortage of outdoor activities in the Merrillville area. From plenty of hiking trails to picnic-ready parks, there are plenty of activities to take advantage of around town.

Next summer, cool off at the Deep River Waterpark or swing by for ice-skating during the winter. If you enjoy golfing, head to the Turkey Creek Golf Course or the Innsbrook Country Club for full 18-hole courses. For a walk through nature, try the Gabis Arboretum, Erie Lackawanna Trail, or Deep River County Park. Fishing, kayaking, paintball, trail running — whatever outdoor activity you’re into, you’ll likely find something to excite you in the Merrillville area.

Public Parks and Activities: Merrillville Parks and Recreation

Entertainment

Looking for something to do for your family’s day out or on date night? Merrillville has you covered. Check out the Busy Bees Pottery & Arts Studio or Board & Brush for a paint-and-sip experience or a DIY art workshop. Ignite your kids’ passion for the natural world by visiting the Merrillville Community Planetarium. You can see the latest blockbuster movie at the AMC Theater at the Southlake Mall. Check out Escapeville to try an escape room with older kids for a puzzle-filled hour of fun.

If you’re looking for a day of excitement, there are plenty of destinations to explore in Merrillville. Start with these locations and broaden your horizons to discover everything the city has to offer.

Dining

If you’re looking for an interesting dining experience in Merrillville, you’re in luck. Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy cheeseburger or a chef-inspired dinner for two, there’s a restaurant in town that should satisfy.

For the perfect steakhouse experience, book a table at Gino’s Steakhouse. For intelligently crafted and interesting cuisine, try Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant or Fresh to Order. Lovers of Thai food will feel at home at Asparagus and Spice Thai Cuisine. On game day, find a table at Portillo’s Hot Dogs for some of the best bar-style food in town. Wherever your tastes and cravings lie, Merrillville’s selection of local restaurants is sure to hit the spot.

Education

Public education in Merrillville is provided by the Merrillville Community School Corporation. There is one public high school in town, called Merrillville High School. Middle-school students will attend either Clifford Pierce Middle School or Merrillville Intermediate School. There are several elementary schools in the district:

• Fieler Elementary School.
• Iddings Elementary School.
• Miller Elementary School.
• Salk Elementary School.
• Wood Elementary School.

If you need help finding which school your child is eligible to attend, enter your address into this easy-to-use online tool.

If you prefer private schools, there is Andrean High School, which serves as a college preparatory secondary school located in the Diocese of Gary, a Roman Catholic Church. Elementary and middle school students may attend Aquinas Catholic Community School at St. Andrews.

Those looking to attend college in Merrillville have a few options to choose from if they want to stay in the area, including:

• DeVry University.
• Indiana University-Northwest in Gary.
• Indiana Wesleyan University.
• Ivy Tech Community College in Gary.

These are just a few of the nearest colleges students can attend in the Merrillville region. Whether you’re looking for a public or private, two- or four-year university, you’re sure to find a higher education opportunity near Merrillville that suits your needs.

If you’re thinking of building a custom home, be sure to call or visit our family at Steiner Homes when you’re ready. As Northwest Indiana’s premier custom home builder, we have the experience and know-how to build your family’s dream home in Merrillville!